SQL User Group Monthly Meeting

Object Role Modeling (ORM)
A Better Way to do Data Modeling
January 15, 2008
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Register Here visit www.mnssug.

Object Role Modeling (ORM) A Better Way to do Data Modeling

Speaker: Gordon Everest, University of Minnesota

ORM is a better, richer way to do high-level, conceptual data modeling. It is distinctly different from the more traditional, record-based schemes such as ER, Extended ER (EER), IDEF1X, IE, or UML. It was originally developed by Shir Nijssen (called NIAM) and further enhanced by Terry Halpin. ORM is now embodied in Microsoft's Visual Studio.net Enterprise Architect/Team edition, and called VisioEA. However, it is practically impossible to use that tool without some basic understanding of ORM.

This presentation covers:* the essence of ORM data modeling* relationship of ORM to Object-Oriented Design and Development* comparison of ORM to conventional record-based modeling schemes such as ER - transitioning understanding from ER/Relational to ORM. * the basic constructs of ORM - the elementary fact sentence with one predicate (a relationship) and one or more objects (the entities)* representing a rich set of semantic constraints in ORM - dependency, uniqueness (multiplicity/exclusivity), value sets, role populations, frequency, ring, subtype/supertype, ... * graphical and verbal representations of an ORM model; abstractions in ORM* mapping an ORM model to a Relational data model. - automatic generation of a fully normalized model from an ORM model* The place of ORM in a taxonomy of data modeling schemes

This talk is a must for anyone involved with logical data modeling. It behooves every data professional to consider the ORM data modeling scheme and to critically examine the claims made for it. Find out for yourself if it really is a better way to do data modeling.

A good follow-on to "Overcoming the Limitations of ER Modeling."Having whetted your appetite with the problems of ER modeling and after giving you a taste of Object Role Modeling (ORM) as a better way to do data modeling, it would be appropriate to delve more deeply into the basics of ORM. If anyone is considering using VisioEA for data modeling prior to setting up a database in SQL Server, this is essential information.